Customers come to your retail store on a mission: get in, find what they need, and get out.
Today’s customers are used to getting what they need when they need it, without waiting — and they expect their checkout process to be the same.
How can you speed up your checkout process and keep customers moving? By investing in the right tools and technology.
Credit card machines for business come in several shapes and sizes. Whether you're thinking about a countertop terminal or a handheld device, finding the right one can make a big difference for your retail store. You need to be able to accept credit card payments while staying within your budget and making the checkout process easy for both your team and customers.
Our top picks for the best credit card machines and terminals are affordable and versatile. Plus, some come with extra features that help operations run smoothly — think inventory management, point of sale (POS) system integration, barcode scanning, and more.
How To Choose the Best Credit Card Machine for Business
Choosing the right credit card machine for your business impacts how efficiently you process transactions and the overall customer experience.
A modern machine can streamline transactions, reduce checkout lines, and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. Given the wide variety of options available, it’s essential to understand what to look for in a credit card machine to make the best choice for your business.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Credit Card Machine
So, how do you choose the best credit card machine for business operations? Here are four factors to consider in your search.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The first thing to consider is the machine’s compatibility with your existing point of sale (POS) system or software. You need a machine that integrates smoothly with your setup to avoid service disruptions — it should make your life easier, not harder!
There are several connectivity options to choose from:
Wired machines: These machines connect directly to your POS system via a cable. They’re reliable but can be limiting in terms of movement and placement.
Wireless machines: This option offers more flexibility and can be placed anywhere within the range of your wireless network. They’re ideal for businesses that need mobility, like restaurants with tableside payment or pop-up retailers.
Mobile machines: These handheld devices connect via a mobile app on a smartphone or tablet. They are perfect for businesses on the go, such as food trucks or delivery services.
Virtual terminals: For online businesses, a virtual credit card machine processes transactions through your website.
Contactless payments: This option allows customers to pay by tapping their card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay and Google Pay) on the machine, which is becoming increasingly popular for its speed and convenience.
Choosing the right connectivity option depends on your business needs and how you plan to use the machine. You may find that a combination of these options will work best, especially if you take business on the road.
Related read: POS (Point of Sale) Hardware Guide
Security Features
Security is a top priority when handling customer payments. Ensure the credit card machine you choose supports EMV chip technology, which helps prevent fraud by encrypting transaction data.
Your machines should also be PCI-compliant, meaning they meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) to protect customer information. These standards provide detailed guidelines on all aspects of payment card security for merchants and payment service providers.
Retailers that aren’t PCI-compliant face fines from $5,000 to $100,000 per month of noncompliance. They can also face consequences such as suspension of their ability to accept credit cards, liability for fraud charges, credit card replacement costs, and mandatory forensic examination from the federal government. All of these could decimate a small business.
Investing in a machine with robust security features is essential to maintaining compliance and protecting your business and customers.
Related read: How EMV Can Protect You and Your Customers
Cost and Fees
The costs associated with credit card machines vary based on the equipment you choose and any transaction fees and monthly fees associated with them. Some machines come with a higher initial cost but offer lower transaction fees, while others are the opposite.
When comparing costs, look beyond the sticker price and evaluate the total cost of ownership. Consider the processing fees per swipe or chip, monthly service fees, and potential costs for customer support or software updates.
Related read: Passing On Credit Card Fees to Customers: A Guide for Small Retailers
Customer Support and Service
Reliable, 24/7 customer support is crucial for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues that may arise with your credit card machine — after all, your business depends on it! A provider should offer quick and effective support, ensuring minimal disruption to business.
Evaluate the customer service offerings from different providers by checking their response times, available support channels (phone, email, live chat), and reviews from other users. Good customer support can save you time and stress when problems occur.
Related read: The Best Credit Card Machine for Small Retailers: 3 Top Choices
Top 3 Picks For Credit Card Machines for Business
Square
Best for: Solopreneurs or small businesses
Key features: Square has a user-friendly interface and affordable hardware options. The app makes returns and exchanges easy, and Square Online e-commerce sites can even serve as your website and online shop.
Pros:
✅ Free to start
✅ No monthly fees in the Basic Plan
✅ Wide range of hardware to choose from
✅ Easy to use
✅ Low transaction fees
Cons
❌ Account can freeze due to irregular activity
❌ Not cost-effective for high-volume transactions
❌ No phone support
Price: Square is free for solopreneurs and tiny businesses but jumps to $89 for more advanced features like inventory management, barcode printing, reports, and more.
Related reading: 8 Best Square Alternatives for Small Retailers in 2024
IT Retail
Best for: Grocery stores, food markets
Key features: IT Retail is a versatile solution with advanced security features and integration capabilities. Its credit card machines are designed to work seamlessly with a range of POS systems.
Pros:
✅ Reliable customer support
✅ Security is a priority
✅ Industry-specific features like deli scale integrations and sell-by-weight capabilities
✅ Open-source software
Cons:
❌ Higher setup costs
❌ No free version
❌Not a strong fit for businesses outside the grocery industry
Price: Subscriptions start at $79/month for markets, but you can build a custom quote for supermarkets and enterprises.
Related read: 6 Best POS for Farmers Markets: Make Life Easy for You and Your Customers
POS Nation
Best for: Small businesses
Key features: POS Nation offers a comprehensive credit card machine for business operations with robust features, including high-level security, flexibility, and integrations with its top-rated POS systems and other systems you may use.
It supports a wide range of payment options and is known for its excellent customer service. POS Nation also provides competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
Pros:
✅ 24/7 customer support
✅ Supports a wide range of payment options
✅ Flexible pricing
✅ All-in-one POS solution included
✅ Cloud-based solution
Cons:
❌ Robust feature set can result in a learning curve
❌ No free option
The solution you choose will depend on your business needs and budget, but keep these pros and cons in mind as you search for the best credit card machine for business operations.
Related read: Find the Best Point of Sale System for Grocery Stores [Features, Reviews, Pricing]
Upgrade Your Credit Card Machines for Business With POS Nation
When selecting a credit card machine for business, it’s essential to prioritize factors such as security, customer service, cost, and integration with your existing systems. The right solution should make checkouts easier for your staff and customers.
POS Nation is a top contender, offering advanced features, security, and dependable customer support — not to mention its all-in-one POS solution.
Ready to level up your payment processing and streamline business operations with a robust credit card machine system? Schedule a demo with POS Nation to see how we can revolutionize your business.
